Edward the Confessor National Pilgrimage

The annual pilgrimage day takes place in the Octave of Edwardtide, and offers a unique opportunity to visit the Abbey along with other pilgrims to experience its beauty and space in a unique atmosphere. Most importantly, all our pilgrims will have the opportunity to spend a moment at the Shrine of St Edward – the only shrine in this country which still contains the body of the saint.

All our pilgrims are offered a tour which takes them into every part of the Abbey, its precincts and gardens – so you will see the stunning Lady Chapel, the Royal Tombs, Poets’ Corner, the Chapter House, the Museum and the College Garden which now has a special herb garden where you can sit on a Camomile bench and take in the fragrant scents of the herbs and flowers. Activities for children will be offered in the Education Centre and around the Abbey and its precincts. School groups are very welcome.

A lecture will be given on the life of St Edward, and walking pilgrims will be welcomed with a foot washing rite.

Timing

9.30am Abbey opens for Pilgrims

11.30am Festival Eucharist
Preacher: The Right Reverend Dr John Inge, Bishop of Worcester

1.30pm Lecture
Saint Edward: Saint and Symbol – Professor Paul Binski

3.00pm Evensong with Procession

Touch tours and BSL (British Sign Language) tours and Eucharist will be available on the day.

Booking

You are welcome to any part or all of the day, you may come as an individual or as part of a group – all are welcome and there is no cost. It is not necessary for individuals to book but it would help in the planning of the day to know about larger groups. Booking is necessary for school groups.

For Further Information & Bookings

tiggy.sawbridge@westminster-abbey.org
020 7654 4805